Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A SEX predator who turned a tuckshop into a torture chamber has been handed a crushing 72 year sentence after a night attack that left a young woman traumatised and robbed of her dignity.
According to a National Prosecuting Authority bulletin, Chispen GUNDANI (24) was convicted on five counts of robbery and multiple rape charges after a brutal overnight ordeal at Batanai compound in Bindura. Prosecutors said Gundani pounced on a 24 year old tuckshop attendant at around 1AM on 22 August while she was asleep inside the shop, which doubled as her workplace and sleeping quarters.
Gundani forced the door open, stormed in wearing a head torch and clutching a kitchen knife. He ordered his victim to lie down, rummaged through the tuckshop and demanded money. When he found only US $4, he became violent. For four terrifying hours, he raped the complainant four times inside the tuckshop and dragged her at knifepoint between the shop and her employer’s house while searching for more cash.
Prosecutors said Gundani stole the woman’s Redmi Note 9 Pro phone, helped himself to beer from the refrigerator and repeatedly threatened to kill her if she screamed. The value of stolen property totalled US$244.
It was only at dawn, when a customer knocked at the door, that the traumatised woman finally managed to seek help. Police later arrested Gundani on 30 August during a public violence incident at Kitsiyatota. Officers nabbed him after he failed to explain ownership of a phone in his possession. The complainant unlocked it using her password, immediately linking him to the rape and robbery.
The magistrates’ court sentenced Gundani to a total of 72 years behind bars, but after concurrency he will serve 42 years effective.
The NPAZ said the case should send a clear message that predators will face severe consequences. “This case demonstrates that sexual predators and violent offenders will be pursued relentlessly. Women and girls must feel safe in their workplaces and homes. The justice system will not hesitate to impose severe penalties on those who violate vulnerable victims,” said the prosecuting authority.
